Im loving my Pajero at the moment. You get good and bad examples of any make or model of car/truck so you'll always have someone with a tale of how awful they are. The 2.8tdi is a better engine (chain not belt, more torque, less prone to gaskets) than the 2.5 diesel. Although as said, very juicy
A common fault on the 2.8 is the fuel pump seal going causing bad starting and smokey. Had to do mine a month ago. The seal is couple of quid, but its a pain in the ass of a job to be honest.
But I do like the look of the pajero better than a shogun and the paj has more toys in it i believe.